Catheter Tunneling System with Nested Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hemodialysis catheter insertion techniques face challenges in securely attaching the catheter to insertion devices and maintaining a minimal profile for easy passage through subcutaneous tissue, while also requiring adaptability for various catheter types and procedures.

Innovation Solution

A tunneling system comprising an elongate tunneling member with a connector that securely couples to the catheter, featuring various attachment mechanisms such as bifurcated segments, resilient locking members, interlocking snap heads, and radial barbs, allowing for stable fluid communication and ease of maneuvering during insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the catheter is securely attached to the trocar or insertion stylet, then the catheter remains fixed during passage through tissue, but the profile of the insertion devices increases making passage through subcutaneous tissue more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter attachment securityVSAvoidinsertion device profile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is inserted through the longitudinal lumen of the tunneling member, creating a nested configuration where the catheter passes through the hollow interior of the tunneling member. This nesting approach allows the catheter to be guided through tissue without requiring the catheter to be externally attached to a bulky insertion device, thereby maintaining a minimal profile while ensuring secure placement through the tunneling action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional attachment mechanism is extracted from a traditional external connector and integrated into the tunneling member itself. The tunneling member's longitudinal lumen and external features provide the attachment function, eliminating the need for separate external attachment components that would increase the device profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional catheter insertion devices are used, then catheter placement is achieved, but adaptability for various catheter types and procedures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter type compatibilityVSAvoidinsertion system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tunneling member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple catheter types. The longitudinal lumen and external attachment features are configured to work with various catheter designs, allowing a single tunneling member design to serve multiple functions and be compatible with different catheter types without requiring complex customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components: the tunneling member with its longitudinal lumen and the catheter as separate elements. This segmentation allows the tunneling member to remain a standardized component while accommodating different catheter types, improving versatility without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9381038B2Tunneling system

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

AI summary

A tunneling system for use with a catheter includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The tunneling system further includes a connector configured for releasably engaging the second end of the elongate tunneling member to the catheter.